Padang Merbok has been fenced up to limit foot traffic, says DBKL. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star
REGULARS to Padang Merbok in Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur, say the fencing up of the field is disrupting their physical exercise and recreation activities.
The field is now enclosed with a security fence. However, a check by StarMetro found certain parts of the field were still accessible, allowing people to enter the facility.
A notice put up by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) at the site stated that upgrading works were scheduled to be completed by June 30 this year.
Another notice stated that prior booking was needed to use the facility, and the application must be forwarded to the DBKL Recreational and Landscape Development Department.
Student Celine Tan said she spotted people playing football there on Monday evening.
“The authorities should allow the public to access the field easily, like they had been doing all this while,” she said.
Neoh CL, who was met while jogging at the adjacent Perdana Botanical Garden, said Padang Merbok was a popular venue for training sessions among sportsmen.
Shan Subra said many people flocked to the open field due to its central location in the city.
He noticed the seating area for spectators was repainted recently.
“The authorities should consider building more pavilions here for people to shelter from the rain and heat,” he suggested.
A DBKL spokesperson said the fence was erected to limit foot traffic and to ensure the field was not damaged.
He said an upgrade of the surrounding drainage was ongoing to ensure better water flow during rain.
“On rainy days, the field becomes waterlogged,” he said, adding that the fence would not be removed even after upgrading works were completed.
On Aug 6, Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh and Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil questioned the need for Padang Merbok to be fenced up.
Yeoh said it would send the wrong message that the public was not welcomed to use the facility.
Fahmi said the fence would disrupt recreational activities there.
